The Only Summer Makeup Routine You Need If You’re Over 30

Now that it’s getting hot, hot, hot, I thought I’d do a quick update on my summer makeup routine! 

I do tend to swap out my products as the seasons change because I crave different colors, coverage and as it gets hot, my skin needs change, too. 

Here’s a peek at my summer makeup routine and some of the products I’m currently loving. 

Hydrate Your Skin With SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Yes, this is technically a skincare must-have but for great makeup, you need to prep your skin.

For extra hydration, this stuff is the Real. Deal. And that’s something you’ll need if as our skin tends to get drier as we age.

I didn’t want to like this hyaluronic acid serum, or even love it, but the texture and results are AMAZING. 

I received a small bottle of SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator at a blogger event I went to, and it was love at first use. 

It’s expensive—triple digits—but well worth it.

SkinMedica has a proprietary formula for this serum which blends 5 forms of hylaronic acid. It hydrates the skin, smoothes fine wrinkles, is free of fragrance, paragons and phthalates and is all-around amazing. The texture is fantastic and I noticed an improvement of my skin’s tone and texture right away. 

Tip: Wet your fingers before smoothing this on for extra hydration benefits. This bottle lasts a long time and is currently 10% off at Dermstore! 

Need a less expensive alternative? I have also used and like the Timeless Skin Care Hyaluronic Acid serum. And, it’s under $20!

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Related: These Are the Holy Grail Skincare Products I Swear By

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Protect with Elta MD Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF40

My dermatologist turned me on to Elta MD’s sunscreen, recommending it for anyone who had rosacea or sensitive skin. I tried it on in the office and loved it immediately!

It has a tint to it which cancels out the white cast many sunscreens leave behind and sinks into your skin right away making makeup application easy. 

It also has SPF40 and, as promised, my skin has never had a bad reaction to it. 

Prime and Prep with L’Oreal Skin Beautifier Anti-Redness Primer

If you deal with redness, the L’Oreal Skin Beautifier Anti-Redness Primer is a godsend.

I always thought green primers didn’t really work and did a drugstore haul to find the best one. This one took the cake! 

I smooth it on over my cheeks or anywhere that may be a little red and it immediately cancels out all redness. It also smooths pores and makes your skin a clean canvas for makeup application. 

Conceal with RMS Beauty Uncoverup 

The Next step is to conceal. I typically will apply my tinted moisturizer first and then conceal, but if I’m staying home, going to the pool or just don’t need much makeup I can get away with just the RMS Beauty Uncoverup.

I first tried this concealer a few years ago and have been hooked ever since. It’s all natural and coconut-oil based so you never have to worry about looking cakey under your eyes. 

You can use your fingers or a damp beauty blender to apply ( I do both!) 

Light Coverage with ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

While I’m at the beach (and if my skin looks good) I’ll just do a bit of concealer and call it a day. If I need a bit more coverage than that I reach for ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation.

It’s incredibly lightweight, clean and I love the glow it leaves, which is perfect for your summer makeup routine.

ILIA’s line of products also have incredible skin-loving ingredients that don’t just operate as makeup; the true skin serum foundation has rosehip, jojoba and marula oils as well as aloe leaf that works to soothe irritations, plump fine lines and give you a natural glow.

Even Lighter Coverage with The Best Tinted Sunscreens

For even lighter coverage, there are two go-tos you’ll love.

The first is Alastin Skincare Hydratint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen. This tinted sunscreen is lighter in coverage but is a very nice mineral sunscreen that’s buildable!

This has been my daily go-to this summer when I don’t necessarily want to wear foundation.

Another favorite and more affordable option is the Saie Slip Tint Lightweight Tinted Moisturizer.

This is a very lightweight formula and has a bit of a sheen to it so if you have oily skin, I wouldn’t recommend this one.

Prep the Lids with NYX Professional Eye Makeup Base

If your eyeshadow doesn’t stay on, or you get “greasy” lids, try a base like NYX Professional Eye Makeup Base. It’s a great drugstore beauty buy and will help your eyeshadow stay on longer! 

Bronzy Eyes with Tarte Tartelette Palette

These days, I’m obsessed with the Tarte Tartelette Palette which has matte and shimmery powders in beautiful bronzy finishes! 

You can create so many day to night looks with this palette, and I find myself using it everyday. They’re also pigmented really well, and have a nice sweet scent! 

Another palette that’s been on the regular rotation is the Sigma Beauty Warm Neutrals Volume 2 palette. It’s on the pink/peachy side but has some really beautiful colors perfect for summer.

Swipe and Go Eyeshadow with Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick

If you don’t have time to dip into a palette, another go-to I highly recommend is the Bobbi Brown cream eyeshadow sticks. You seriously just swipe and go!

There are plenty of matte and shimmery shades to try though my favorite for the summer months is the shimmer Golden Pink shade.

Bronzy Blush with MERIT Flush Balm

Summer makeup should be easy, and there’s nothing easier than Merit’s swipe-and-go Flush Balm.

I have multiple of these and the color is gorgeous + it couldn’t be easier to apply. You can stash them in your purse for on-the-go touchups.

Oftentimes in the summer, you can get away with a swipe of this and a bit of concealer!

If you love a cream blush, then you’ll definitely love the Merit Flush Balm.

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What are some of your favorite summer makeup and skincare products? Let me know in the comments below!

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